Storage container with graphic storage and viewing portals

ABSTRACT

The storage container of the present invention has provisions for retaining graphic elements within the storage container sides and lid. The graphic elements may be viewed through the transparent, or semi-transparent material of the storage container box and lid. The user of the storage container may easily select graphic elements which relate to the items stored within. The graphic elements may be portions of the original packaging of the items to be stored, or may be produced by the user. The graphic elements are easily positioned and retained within the storage container by clips located along the box sides, and within a recess beneath the lid. The graphic elements are then readily viewable from the exterior of the container through the container sides and top, and are readily replaceable as new items are stored within the container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/569,547, filed in Dec. 12, 2011, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to containers for storing items. More particularly, the present invention relates to a container wherein graphics may be positioned within the container, and viewed from the exterior.

2. Description of the Related Art

Storage containers are used in many home and professional settings. Storage containers currently available on the market come in many sizes, shapes and price points. Labels applied to the outside of the container may aid the consumer in keeping track of the items in a box. Often, the need of the consumer is not satisfied by the simple storage of items in a container. The consumer may need to store text and graphic elements in the form of instructions, diagrams, pictures, and the like which are related to the items stored in the box. The use and utility of many items depends upon the paper documentation accompanying them. A safe and secure storage methodology for the paper documentation accompanying the stored items is therefore desirable. The ability to view the paper documentation without physically opening the storage container is also desirable. The paper documentation may then serve as an easily understood label of the contents of the storage container.

The consumer may need to apply text and graphics to the box that are relevant to the box contents. A puzzle is an easily understood example of this situation. It is not enough to store the puzzle pieces, but the graphic showing the end result of the puzzle assembly must also be retained. Often the original retail packaging of an item is not a good solution of the long term storage and retrieval of the item pieces. However, the graphics on the original retail box are key to the enjoyment of the puzzle or game. Hence the original box must be retained long after it serves any useful purpose for storing puzzle or game pieces. A similar situation arises in many educational, residential and commercial settings in the storage of games, puzzles, tools, hobbies, projects, and equipment.

There is a need in the art for a storage container which allows the reliable storage of multiple small items within. The storage container should also have provisions for retaining text and graphic elements within the storage box sides or top which relate to the items within the storage container. The text and graphic elements should be; easily positioned and retained within the storage container, readily viewable from the exterior of the container, and readily replaceable as new items are stored within the container. It is to such a storage container with graphic storage and viewing portals that the present invention is directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by the present invention which, in one aspect, is a storage container designed such that a graphic element may be positioned adjacent an inner surface of the container. The graphic element is then visible from the exterior of the container. The storage container includes a base member and a removable lid. The lid is designed to engage and be retained to the base member to form an enclosed container which has an interior and an exterior.

The base member is constructed of a transparent or semi-transparent material and includes a bottom and vertical sides extending upward from the base. The bottom and each vertical side have an inner surface facing the interior of the container and an outer surface facing the exterior of the container.

One or more clips are affixed to the inner surface of the bottom of the base member. The clips are positioned adjacent the inner surface of the vertical side and have a protrusion extending in the direction of the inner surface of the vertical side. A graphic element may be positioned between an inner surface of the base member vertical side and the clip. The graphic element is then restrained in position by the clip protrusion. The graphic element can then be viewed from the exterior of the base member vertical side.

The clips may be individually molded and ultrasonically welded to the base member, or chemically bonded to the base member, or molded integral with the base member. The base member is made from a polypropylene or polycarbonate.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the base member has a raised rib extending upward from the base member bottom inner surface. The raised rib extends adjacent and parallel to a base member vertical side. A graphic element positioned within the base member and adjacent the vertical side will be captured between the vertical side and the raised rib. In an alternative embodiment, the raised rib extends at least 10% of the base member vertical sidewall length. In other alternative embodiments, a plurality of raised ribs extend adjacent and parallel to a base member vertical side. The plurality of raised ribs have a total length of at least 10% of the base member vertical sidewall length. The ribs extend upward a distance of at least 0.062 inch from the base member bottom inner surface.

In another alternative embodiment, the present invention presents a storage container for storing items designed such that a graphic element may be positioned adjacent an inner surface of the storage container. The graphic element is then visible from the exterior of the container. The storage container includes a base member and a removable lid. The lid is designed to engage and be retained to the base member to form an enclosed container which has an interior and an exterior.

The lid includes a central recessed portion in the upper surface. The central recessed portion extends into the storage container and can receive an informational graphic. The central recessed portion having an inner surface facing the interior of the container and an outer surface facing the exterior of the container. The storage container includes a retaining plate positioned adjacent the central recessed portion of the lid and engaging the lid. A graphic element may be positioned between the outer surface of the central recessed portion of the lid and the retaining plate. The graphic element then being restrained in position and may be viewed from the exterior of the container lid.

In yet another alternative embodiment, a tab is formed in the central recessed portion of the lid. The tab can be displaced to allow insertion of the graphic element between the central recessed portion of the lid and the retaining plate.

The retaining plate is made from a transparent or semi-transparent material. The retaining plate is positioned adjacent the outer surface of the central recessed portion of the lid with the graphic element placed between the retaining plate and the outer surface of the central recessed portion. The retaining plate is made from a polypropylene or polycarbonate.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the lid is made from a transparent or semi-transparent material. The retaining plate is positioned adjacent the inner surface of the central recessed portion and the graphic element placed between the retaining plate and the inner surface of the central recessed portion. The lid is made from a polypropylene or polycarbonate.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the tab is formed in the retaining plate and can be displaced to allow insertion of the graphic element between the central recessed portion of the lid and the retaining plate.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the present invention presents a storage container for storing items. The storage container includes a base member and a removable lid. The lid is designed to engage and be retained to the upper portion of the base member to form an enclosed container. The lid includes a central recessed portion in the upper surface which extends into the storage container and is designed to receive an informational graphic within.

The base member includes a bottom and vertical sides extending upward. The bottom and each vertical side having an inner surface facing the interior of the container, and an outer surface facing the exterior of the container. The base member may be stacked upon the lid. A portion of the base member is received into the central recessed portion of the lid.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the vertical sides of the base member are angled and extend up from the base member and angle outward toward the exterior of the container. The bottom the base member is designed to be received within the central recessed portion of the outer surface of the lid.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the base member includes a protrusion extending from the outer surface of the bottom of the base member. The protrusion is designed to be received within the central recessed portion of the outer surface of the lid.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings. As would be obvious to one skilled in the art, many variations and modifications of the invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the storage container with graphic portals.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the box of the storage container.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a graphic retention clip.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a graphic retention clip adjacent the inner surface of the box.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the box with retention clips affixed, and depicting graphic elements being slid into position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the storage container box depicting the semi-translucent properties of the box material via shading and depicting a graphic element in place on the box sidewall.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the top surface of the storage container lid .

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the retaining plate.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inner surface of the storage container lid.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the storage container box depicting the nesting protrusions at each corner of the bottom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The storage container of the present invention has provisions for retaining graphic elements within the storage box sides and lid. The user of the container may easily insert graphic elements which relate to the items within the storage container. The graphic elements may be portions of the original packaging of the items to be stored, or may be produced by the container user. The graphic elements are easily positioned and retained within the storage container by clips located along the box sides, and within a recess beneath the lid. The graphic elements are then readily viewable from the exterior of the container, and are readily replaceable as new items are stored within the container.

In one such example of use of the present invention, a user may wish to store puzzle pieces within the storage container. The original retail packaging of the puzzle is necessary in that it depicts the image which the puzzle is assembled to make. The user may save and preserve the graphics of the original puzzle box lid and sides by cutting the images from the original lid. The original top graphic element that was cut away is then slid under a clear plastic plate located on the lid. The plate is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material which allows the graphic element to be viewed thru the plate from the top. The original puzzle side graphics are slid behind clips located along the inside long and short walls of the bottom portion of the box. The original puzzle pieces are then stored within the storage container. The new lid, with the cut away graphic from the original box, is snapped onto the upper portion of the box.

The storage container now displays information on the contents within by allowing the user to see the graphic elements viewed through the clear plate on the lid and the graphic elements slid behind the box side walls. The clips hold the information securely against the clear sides of the storage box. Portions of the lid and side thus form graphic portals for ready viewing by the user. The components work together by providing an improved, durable storage container that is attractive to view and easy for users of all ages to open and enjoy. It also provides a way to display what the completed puzzle will look like using graphics, referred to herein as graphic elements, from the original puzzle box. Alternatively, the user may create their own graphic elements to provide information on the storage container contents and use.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage container has a box portion which forms a bowl with a flat bottom and vertically extending sides. The box portion includes a plurality of clips positioned adjacent to the vertical sides. The storage container also has a lid which engages the box. The lid has a transparent or semi-transparent plastic plate which engages to the top of the lid. The underside of the lid has a pull down built-in sleeve that allows for a graphic element, or any other paper, to be slid in place between the sleeve and plastic plate. The plastic plate allows the graphic to be viewed from the top of the lid under the protection of the plastic plate.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the configuration of a transparent, or semi-transparent plastic plate, which may be punched from commercially available plastic sheet, is a cost effective way to achieve a top viewing portal in low production volumes. The plate may be punched from polypropylene, or polycarbonate sheet, or any transparent or semi-transparent plastic sheet. In high production volumes, the plate may be injection molded from polypropylene, polycarbonate, or other molding compound as is known in the art.

The lid may be injection molded from any commercially opaque, semi-transparent, or transparent material. The ability to utilize an opaque lid aids the production of the lid component in that defects in molding are less evident, and the cost of the raw material used to mold the lid is less. The lid may be molded from polypropylene, polycarbonate, or other molding compound as is known in the art.

The box portion of the storage container has clips positioned along one short side and clips positioned along one long side wall. The clips allow the user to secure graphic elements from the original box, or other paper, in a manner that prevents the paper from becoming dislodged when contents are placed within, or taken out of the box, or when the storage container is moved. The clips have a small protrusion on the upper edge facing the box side-wall that allow the clips to secure the graphics elements/paper in place. The storage container also features a nesting characteristic for ease in stacking multiple containers on top of each other.

Turning now to the Figures, in which like numerals represent like elements throughout, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the storage container of the present invention with graphic portals 10. The storage container has a base member 20, referred to herein as a box, and a top member 40, referred to herein as a lid.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the box 20 of the storage container. The box has graphic retention clips 30 affixed along the short and long sidewalls.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a graphic retention clip 30. The clip 30 has a protrusion 32 which extends outward from the upper portion of the clip. The protrusion has an angled upper surface 34 and a perpendicular lower surface 36.

As best depicted in FIG. 4, the clip 30 is affixed within the box 20 with the protrusion 32 adjacent the inner surface of the box. The angled upper surface 34 of the clip 30 aids the insertion of a graphic element between the clip and box sidewall. The perpendicular lower surface 36 precludes the graphic element from sliding past the clip 30, once the graphic element is positioned adjacent the sidewall.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the clip 30 may be molded integral with the box 20. However, the presence of the undercut 36 would require an access opening within the box 20 body for a molding pin, or slide. The access opening might allow small items stored within the container to fall out. The relatively long, thin body of the clip 30 also presents challenges in the molding process. In another embodiment of the present invention, the clips 30 are molded as separate parts and are then affixed to the box 20 by ultrasonic welding. Pins or protrusions 22 molded into the box 20 aid in the rapid positioning of the clip 30, and become part of the welded assembly. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other methods may be used to affix the clip to the box such as; chemical bonding, adhesive bonding, or any combination of the above.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the box 20 with clips 30 affixed. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the clips may be affixed adjacent to any one of the box side walls, or any plurality of the base member side walls. One of more clips 30 may be used along a side wall to retain the graphic elements. A graphic element 60 is slid into position in the direction of arrow “A” within the box and held adjacent the side wall by the retention clips 30. The graphic element 60 may be easily viewed from outside the box thru the translucent, or semi-translucent box sidewall.

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the base member 20 depicting the translucent, or semi-translucent properties of the box material via shading. The graphic element 60 is positioned on the inside of the box, where text and images on the graphic, here giraffe, lions, zebras and tigers, are visible through the box sidewall. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the box may be injection molded from any transparent, or semi-transparent material, such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, or other molding compound as is known in the art.

As further depicted in FIG. 6, a rib 26 extends up from the box bottom and adjacent each sidewall of the box 20. The rib 26 is offset from the sidewall a distance to allow insertion of the graphic element. The raised rib 26 aids in the retention of any graphic element positioned adjacent the side wall and within the clips 30. The ribs 26 also shield the graphic elements from being dislodged or displaced by shifting contents of the box. The rib 26 may extend the length of the sidewall, or may only extend in individual sections along portions of the sidewall. To provide proper retention of the graphic, the total rib length is at least 10% of the length of the adjacent box sidewall. The box sidewall length is measured at the intersection of the inner surface of the sidewall with the bottom of the box. The raised rib extends at least 0.062 inch upward from the box bottom.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the top, or outer, surface of the lid 40. As depicted in FIG. 7, the lid 40 has a central recessed portion 44. The recessed portion is configured to receive a retaining plate within. The recessed portion 44 is also configured to accept a graphic element which will then be viewable from above the lid and thru the retaining plate.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the retaining plate 50. The retaining plate 50 has tabs 54 which extend out from the body and are configured to engage within recesses in the lid 40. The tabs 54 of the retaining plate 50 engage the lid 40 and the retaining plate is thereby affixed adjacent and within the recessed portion on the exterior of the lid 40. The retaining plate 50 and lid recessed portion 44 thereby form a sleeve into which a graphic element may be inserted and held securely in place.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inner surface of the lid 40. As depicted in FIG. 9, one edge of the central recessed portion 44 of the lid 40 is molded with a gap 46 to the surrounding structure of the lid. The gap 46 extends some distance along the adjacent edges of the central recessed portion. The gap forms a tab 48 as part of the central recessed portion 44, the tab shown delineated by dashed line 45. The tab 48 may be displaced upward by the user to allow insertion of a graphic element within the sleeve formed by the recessed portion 44 and retaining plate 50. The graphic element will then be trapped between the outer surface of the recessed portion 44 of the lid and the retaining plate 50. When released, the tab 48 will spring back to retain the graphic element within the recessed portion 44 of the lid 40. Also depicted in FIG. 9 are a portion of the slots 49 in the lid 40 which engage the tabs 54 of the retaining plate 50.

In another alternative embodiment, the retaining plate 50 may be positioned adjacent the inner surface of the central recessed portion. The tab may then be formed by gaps in retaining plate. The lid may be injection molded from a transparent, or semi-transparent material, such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, or other molding compound as is known in the art.

As depicted in FIG. 10, the box 20 has protrusions 28 on the exterior surface at each corner of the bottom. The protrusions 28 are configured to engage the central recessed portion of the lid. The protrusions allow the box to readily sit upon the lid when the storage container is opened. The protrusions 28 also allow the stacking, or nesting, of multiple storage containers, one upon another. When stacked, the box of the upper storage container will engage the lid of the lower storage container and provide a stable assembly for storage of multiple containers on a shelf or table. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the vertical sides of the base member are angled, the angled vertical sides extending up from the base member and angled outward toward the exterior of the container, the bottom surface of the base member is therefore smaller and configured to be received within the central recessed portion of the outer surface of the lid.

The storage container of the present invention can also be used to hold and organize house crafts, hobby items, office supplies, laboratory specimens, projects or games. The storage container may be utilized to hold anything that the user would need to be able to label the contents from the top or sides for ease in identification of the contents of the box. For example, the user may readily cut graphics elements from the original retail packaging and insert the graphics into viewing portals within the storage container. The graphics may serve to identify the contents of the box, or may be instructions for the items within the box, or any other information which may be conveyed by graphics and texts within the available space.

While there has been shown a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is to be understood that certain changes may be made in the forms and arrangements of the elements for the storage container with graphic portals without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage container for storing items, the storage container configured such that a graphic element may be positioned adjacent an inner surface of the storage container, the graphic element then visible from the exterior of the container, the storage container comprising: a base member and a removable lid, the lid configured to engage and be retained to the base member to form an enclosed container, the enclosed container having an interior and an exterior; the base member, constructed of a transparent, or semi-transparent material; the base member comprising a bottom and a plurality of vertical sides extending therefrom, the bottom and each vertical side having an inner surface facing the interior of the container, and an outer surface facing the exterior of the container; at least one clip affixed to the inner surface of the bottom of the base member, and adjacent the inner surface of the vertical side, the clip having a protrusion extending in the direction of the inner surface of the vertical side; wherein a graphic element may be positioned between the inner surface of at least one base member vertical side, and the at least one clip, the graphic element then being restrained in position by the clip protrusion; and wherein the graphic element may be viewed from the exterior of the base member vertical side.
 2. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising the at least one clip being individually molded and ultrasonically welded to the base member.
 3. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising the at least one clip being chemically bonded to the base member.
 4. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising the at least one clip being molded integral with the base member.
 5. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising the base member made from a polypropylene or polycarbonate.
 6. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising the base member having a raised rib extending upward from the base member bottom inner surface, the raised rib extending adjacent and parallel to a base member vertical side, wherein the graphic element positioned within the base member and adjacent the vertical side will be captured between the vertical side the and raised rib.
 7. The storage container of claim 6, wherein the raised rib extends at least 10% of the base member vertical sidewall length.
 8. The storage container of claim 6, wherein a plurality of raised ribs extend adjacent and parallel to a base member vertical side, the plurality of raised ribs having a total length of at least 10% of the base member vertical sidewall length.
 9. The storage container of claim 6, further comprising the raised rib extending upward a distance of at least 0.062 inch from the base member bottom inner surface.
 10. A storage container for storing items, the storage container configured such that a graphic element may be positioned adjacent an inner surface of the storage container, the graphic element then visible from the exterior of the container, the storage container comprising: a base member and a removable lid, the lid configured to engage and be retained to the base member to form an enclosed container, the enclosed container having an interior and an exterior; the lid comprising a central recessed portion in the upper surface therein, the central recessed portion extending into the storage container and configured to receive an informational graphic therein, the central recessed portion having an inner surface facing the interior of the container, and an outer surface facing the exterior of the container; a retaining plate configured to be positioned adjacent the central recessed portion of the lid, and configured to engage the lid; wherein a graphic element may be positioned between the outer surface of the central recessed portion of the lid and the retaining plate, the graphic element then being restrained in position; and wherein the graphic element may be viewed from the exterior of the container lid.
 11. The storage container of claim 10, further comprising a tab formed in the central recessed portion of the lid, the tab configured to be displaced to allow insertion of the graphic element between the central recessed portion of the lid and the retaining plate.
 12. The storage container of claim 10, further comprising the retaining plate made from a transparent, or semi-transparent material, the retaining plate being positioned adjacent the outer surface of the central recessed portion of the lid, the graphic element placed between the retaining plate and the outer surface of the central recessed portion.
 13. The storage container of claim 10, further comprising the retaining plate made from a polypropylene or polycarbonate.
 14. The storage container of claim 10, further comprising the lid made from a transparent, or semi-transparent material, the retaining plate being positioned adjacent the inner surface of the central recessed portion, the graphic element placed between the retaining plate and the inner surface of the central recessed portion.
 15. The storage container of claim 14, further comprising a tab formed in the retaining plate, the tab configured to be displaced to allow insertion of the graphic element between the central recessed portion of the lid and the retaining plate.
 16. The storage container of claim 13, further comprising the lid made from a polypropylene or polycarbonate.
 17. A storage container for storing items, the storage container comprising: a base member and a removable lid, the lid configured to engage and be retained to the upper portion of the base member to form an enclosed container; the lid comprising a central recessed portion in the upper surface therein, the central recessed portion extending into the storage container and configured to receive on informational graphic therein; the base member comprising a bottom and a plurality of vertical sides extending therefrom, the bottom and each vertical side having an inner surface facing the interior of the container, and an outer surface facing the exterior of the container; and wherein the base member may be stacked upon the lid, a portion of the base member being received into the central recessed portion of the lid.
 18. The storage container of claim 17, wherein the vertical sides of the base member are angled, the angled vertical sides extending up from the base member and angled outward toward the exterior of the container, the bottom the base member configured to be received within the central recessed portion of the outer surface of the lid.
 19. The storage container of claim 15, wherein the base member comprises a protrusion extending from the outer surface of the bottom of the base member, the protrusion configured to be received within the central recessed portion of the outer surface of the lid. 